Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification includes a fundamental commitment to the preparation of its students as engineering technicians in the various fields of electrical engineering. The qualification is primarily vocational, or industry oriented and will meet the generic standard for an engineering technician that will be able to solve well-defined problems in an electrical engineering field of studies. The qualification outcomes are in line with the exit level outcomes as defined by the Engineering Council of South Africa(ECSA). Furthermore, this qualification is designed to meet the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills that is required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Professional Engineering Technician. This diploma is designed to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required to become a competent engineering technician that can solve well define problems.

Rationale

The Engineering profession contributes to the technological, socioeconomic, built environment and environmental infrastructure of the country, facilitating socio-economic growth and sustainability. The target markets include both a traditional branch of engineering, and/or a significant industrial area. The qualification is the starting point of a career path in one of the areas of specialisation, but is still generic enough to allow maximum mobility, based on recognition of prior learning, within the industry. Skills, Knowledge, values and attitudes reflected in the qualification are building blocks for the development of candidate engineering technicians towards becoming competent engineering technicians. The qualification is intended to:

• Promote the development of engineering knowledge and skills required to serve public and private needs.
• Release the potential of people.
• Provide opportunities for people to move up the value chain.
• Provide learners with life-long learning and articulation opportunities in the engineering profession.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 1 Level 5, 168 Credits

• Digital System 1 ,12 credits
• Electrical Engineering 1, 12 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 5 Credits.
• Engineering Graphics, 12 Credits.
• Communication for Academic Purposes, 5 Credits.
• Mechanics, 12 Credits.
• Software Design, 12 credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Electronics 2, 12 Credits.
• Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
• Electronics 1, 12 Credits.
• Digital System 2, 12 Credits.
• Workshop Practice, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics 2, 12 Credits.
• Projects, 12 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 2, 12 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 3, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules 2, Level 5, 12 Credits

• Process Instrumentation 1, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 2, Level 6 ,156 Credits

• Power Electronics, 12 Credits.
• Engineering Management, 12 Credits.
• Automation ,12 Credits.
• Electrical Machines, 12 Credits.
• Control Systems, 12 Credits.
• WIL in Electrical Engineering, 60 Credits.
• Design Projects, 12 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 3, 12 Credits.
• Renewable Energy, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules 3, Level 6, 24 Credits

(Choose One)

• Logic Design, 24 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation 2, 24 Credits.
• Clinical Engineering 2, 24 Credits.
• Electronic Communication 2, 24 Credits.
• Electronic Application, 24 Credits.
• Electrical Protection 3, 24 Credits.

or

(Choose Two)

• Electronic Communication, 12 Credits.
• Electronics 3, 12 Credits.
• Electrical Distribution, 12 Credits.
• Digital Systems 3, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Engineering 1, 12 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation 1, 12 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve well defined.
2. Engineering problems.
3. Demonstrate the application of mathematical, science and engineering knowledge in an engineering environment.
4. Perform procedural design of well-defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
5. Communicate technical, supervisory and general management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate language and terminology, structure, style and graphical support.
6. Apply self-management principles and concepts relating to the development of projects and/or operations within an engineering environment.
7. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment, and of the need to act professionally within own limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and define the problem. Gather information relating to the problem.
• Analyse the information relating to the problem.
• Evaluate and select appropriate methodologies for the problem solution.
• Synthesise potential solutions to the problem.
• Evaluate and select the preferred solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate competence to use and integrate appropriate mathematical, basic science and engineering principles to solve engineering problems.
• Demonstrate competence to use and apply appropriate measuring instruments and techniques to solve engineering problems.
• Describe and perform the operation and maintenance of resources/processes/systems.
• Plan, implement, report and improve on engineering processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and analyse specific project objectives, and plan and formulate the criteria for an acceptable design solution.
• Access, acquire and evaluate the relevant knowledge, information and Resources.
• Generate and analyse alternative solutions by applying appropriate engineering knowledge.
• Select the optimal (preferred) solution based on technical, operational and economic criteria, and evaluate the impacts and benefits of the proposed design.
• Implement the solution and communicate the design logic and information in the appropriate format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Generate and assemble appropriate data and information, using available resources.
• Interpret technical data.
• Apply graphical techniques to present the information effectively.
• Generate, construct and assemble technical documents.
• Communicate interactively with individuals and with peers.
• Generate, construct, assemble and deliver a technical presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply entrepreneurial principles to product/service/process development or operations and practice self-management principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Relate engineering activity to environmental, cultural and safety issues.
• Exhibit awareness of the need for professionalism.

Integrated Assessment

Providers of programmes shall in the quality assurance process demonstrate that an effective integrated assessment strategy is used. Clearly identified components of assessment must address summative assessment of the exit level outcomes. Evidence should be derived from major work or multiple instances of limited scale work. The exit level outcomes ensure that a graduate of a programme meeting these standards would meet requirements for entry to a number of programmes. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, Assignments, class tests, semester tests, practical work and projects (Non-examination Terminating Mode). Mentoring, Portfolio (Monthly feedback reports and a final report) will form part of assessment methods.